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Axil ni OiiiKi! SciiDOi. ('oMi'.vxiDN-i Now Livim; IN I'l.i: \s.\.\ I Iii:mi:\iiu!A.\( I. m- S( ii()iii.-il()\ Days, 'Xhis iloUunc is Hcdicatirrt. INTHODrCTlON. Ill olforiuo- this littlf volum<' to the public wo do not claim for it any literary merit. It is a simple story of an everyday occurrence. We have not enlarnvd it. prelerrinn- to oiler it more as a subject lor meditation. ]^]very woman who has been deceived by a false lover has a dillcivnt tale to tell. With some women the deceiver is speedily lornrotten, while with others, they never can forg-e' him, nor the wrong- done to them, and their w^hole life bears traces of early sorrow Our object in otferini? it for publication is that a leisure hour may be agreeably spent, and those who read it, will not have their minds disturbed by descriptive, exciting- scenes that only exist in the imagination of authors. The Author. $ i i tJS TIIK BANKKirs DAI^IHTKII: "i:, II KU FIUST AM) l.AST I5ALL. rilAiTKii I. At ih" time ol' the' «'f»inm('iiO('in('nt. ol' our story. tJi" aiiri.-iit city ol' Quebec was socially O'ayi-r and inor.' ;ittra.'tivi'. in many ways, ihan it is at present. Any ill-t'.-elint:' that liud been engendered by the rebellion of 1S--]T--'S amongst the Frenecoming intimately acquainted with the numerous British olRcers, who were then stationed with their regiments in the city. Anyone who vi.sited the city at that time could not have I'ailed noticing its quaint buildings, its narrow streets, more parti.ularly those in the ,..i rill': r, WKKifs n \it.ii i i:i!. Low.tTowh. thr st.M'p hills\vln.lih:«.lt(.l>eas- roiul.Ml so as to ivarh tho Upp.r To\vn. Th.-y w-r.' moP- lilv- two sri.an.t.' and distinrt .itios insl.-a.l < I .>,„.. The upi>.'r o.,.' was surroiindod by a stoiK' wall, with inimcious iron t>-atrs, which wen' .los.-d .'Xi-ry i'V»'ninu- at nino o'clock. Military sentiiuds w.M-f ida.cd at every ffatc, and tlu-se sentinels .halK'ii^t'd .'veryoiio who through the iiiii-ht soiiirht admii lance The slilhiess ol' the nig-hl was disturbed by the sentries eallinij out: 'Halt! AYho eomes there ? '" The aH>W"rs come, " Uounds."' •Trrand Rounds; ^1' " KelielV. as the case may l)e. If it is the r'diei', tlien a soldier, from ?he relieving? party, steps forward, ports amis, rereives the password or eountersia-n. and eX( hanucs place with the on.- on i,n\ard. All ijcuurds are simi- larly visited until earh sentry is rvdieved by ouc who is told oti' for that duty. Point Levis is situated on the r'^er side of the river, directly opposite Quebec. Its highest rock-points over-shadow any of the highest peaks of the City. The river St. Law^rence Hows between th^'m, i THE HAS'KHli'S DACa/fTh'/i. (MiWiird to the sea, au oiU.vrs, dressed in o-av unitorms. accompanied with Fr.'n*di and Endish hidies. promenaded on the osphniade, or they drove with tand-m horsrs to the Falls of Montmoren<'y. The cveuinu-s were spent in festive ii-aiety. the junior oIlL^rs all dininii' at their respective mess-rooms, whih» the bands ol each ren-im-nt played for their amusement. On various occasions oiHcers virnl with civilians. which would give the grander entertainments. During the long cold winter months, there is not anything so exhilarating as a sleigh drive, out a lew miles into the open country, ou a clear Irosty morninn', over virgin snows, either on a straight road or updiill and down-daie. On the way i)assing numerous leatless trees, though Tin-: P.AXKEU-S DAraUTKli 11 some may^be'dottt'd with silver b('rri(\K, and covered with liaises ol'puro white suow, resting quietly on viirioiis hrauch'S, bidding deliauee t(» \vind, or a winter's tsim to disturb them. Others graciously l)ending to the breeze, but towering higher and higher towards the sky, showing they are the growth of ages, and are only l)rought to the ground by thi' ruthless hand ol' man. Others are covered with heavy i'rost that keeps spaikliug till twilight turns into night, and th'^n vanishes horn view. One re- quires to he wrapj)ed in warm I'nrs so as to be protected I'rom the cold air and keen blasts which generally prevail at this season of the year. One should start with a numerous company occupyinu' laruc douldi- sleighs, drawn by two or tour horses, whereon are seated youthiul outriders, dressed in gay liveries, with a loot- man standing on a narrow step in rear of the sleigh, ready to obey every command. The cracking of whips, th" merry tingh^ of the sil- ver bells, the neighinu' of the horses, as they snillle the bracing air, all go to increase the ..J(»;1PR 12 ////•; HA\KF:irs nAranTER. pleasure ;iiid excitemeut of a sleigh drive. One is verv loath to return to the city ; but the eraviiiirs of huns;-t'r, exhilarated by breathiug the pure air of the country, reminds one that the dinner hour is approaching-, and it is time to hasten the return home. The dainty live o'clock teas, which are so fashionable in the pre.sent day, would be alto- gether insufficient to satisfy one's appetite, after the invigorating^ and pleasurable enjoyment of a sleig-h drive. It would be diificult to find finer roads lor the purpose than those which are in the environs of Quebec. At times the pleasure seekers are overtaken with mis- haps. A sudden snowstorm comes on, and with it drifting into one's face, and the roads becom- ing speedily blocked, it is impossible io proceed. The horses have to be unhitched, and led to the nearest barn, and those on " pleasure bent " have to find shelter in a farm house, and then dine on pea soup, pork and cabbage, the prin- cipal food of French-Canadian farmers, if noth- ing better could be procured. These drawbacks are speedily overlooked THE liANKEirs DAraUTER. 13 by the jovial and t'xurbt'raut spirits of the younger membt'rs ol' the party. The nearest fiddler is secured, to while away the waitinir hours in dance and sons till the coming of the brighter morning, and the snow plough has levelled the snow blocked roads lo admit of the return to the City. f' ( IIAl'TKi; 11. ,,**#»jrw ti I! 1 1 Charlotte Bawtree was th'" only child of a rich baiikor. who livi'd lor many year.s in the City of Quebec, lie had the reputation of being' very wealthy. He no doubt accumulated his riches by economiziuix in every possible way and ])y close attention to business. No oue ever heard that he contributed of his abundant means to any charitable object, and more than likely he never did. He had the rep itation of beinn: a banker of the strictest iuteg^rity. but was considered by the mercantile community a very hard man. and one who exacted the utter- most farthiuii' in every transaction that he had anything' to do with ; his personal interest was always paramount. He, however, spared no expense upon his daughter, and ungrudg- ingly granted her all her extravagant, capricious wishes, and indulged her more than was bene- lleial to her for her future happiness. Charlotte's mother, who was born in the Tnited States, died while she was very young. 77/ K li. I A' A' h'irs DAn; 11 1 Kli. V^ I il Charlotte scarcely reuiembored her Mr. Inwv- treo was too iniu'li eiiunos.sed in business to spare the time to woo another, even il' he had an incliiiiition. TL> remained a widower, not desirous ofrunninu' the risk of joining- biniselt' to one, who miuht possibly question his tyran- nical authority, in the domestic management of of his household. He desired that his will alon<> should i)redomiuate in everything. Om> day he sent for tht' son of a widow woman, who was frequently employed in his house, receiving the sum of on*^ shilling and three pence per day, commencing work at seven o'clock in the morning and working until nine o'cloi-k at night. IL' desired the boy to take a basketful of fameuse apples, a distance of ab«Dut three quarters of a mile. Mr. Bawtree on handing the basket of apples to the boy said, " Here is one for yourself, you will thereibre not purloin any from the basket." The one apple was his sole reward. The boy felt the stab more keenly than any pleasure he derived from the gift, and would have re- turned the apple to him, only he feared to i: m m If 1 1 16 77//-; /!AXKf:/:'s DAranrEii. \>\ 1 give oflt-'iice, and his mothiM- should thereby unjustly become the sufferer. She worked hard to earu sufficient means to send her son to a good school, for she had in her youth received a superior education, and she wished her son to receive a like one Through misfortune she was almost left penni- less, and she preferred to labor with her hands, than live a life ot idleness, and depend upon charity for support. She never complained of the severe toil she had to undergo, though in her youth she had been unaccustomed to work. She now labored with an object in view and afterwards received her reward. How ditterent a neighboring- gentleman acted, frequently giving the same boy fifty cents, two shillings and six pence, for simply sprinkling water upon the side walk in front of his house for the purpose of laying the dust. Th(^ one was a gentleman by birth and education : the other a mercenary incongruous piece of flesh and bones, who lived with the sole object in view of amassing wealth, iirst for his own glorv. secoudlv for the ulorilication of his daughter. ™ TITE HA XK Firs l>.\ nillTKR. 17 Mr. Bawtree gave her all the afFectiou that his sordid nature would permit him, beyoud that he could not go. Charles Sylvestre was a son of a British olli- cer, whose ancestors figured prominently lor several generations in military annals. Alter the death of Col. Sylvestre, whose regiment was stationed in Quebec, Charley was plac(>d in one of the principal banks of thf City, with a prospect through the influence of aristocratic and wealthy relations of rapid promotion. After the lapse of several years, Charley be- came a frequent visitor at the residence of Mr. Bawtree, for he and Charlotte were constant companions. He was looked upon as a prob- able suitor for her hand. It was a common re- port in the various clubs of the City, and it was not without some foundation. Though he was not the possessor of great wealth, his iamily connections were very influential, and promi- nent society people. When Charley asked Mr. Bawtree for the hand of his daughter in mar- riage, Mr. Bawtree overlooked his comparative poverty, and for the sake of his social position, 3 18 Tin-: p.AXKFirs />aU(;/[T/:/.: H'ave a reluctant consent. By so marvinn- his daughter, she was assured of entering- the higher circk^s of society. The public would. lU) doubt, shortly be informed ot the enu'agement. Mrs. tSylvestre took the opportunitv ol' u'iving a grand ball in reroirnitioii of the engagcnu-iit, marking her approval of it. and th;>t night it was to be pul)li(ly annouut'cd. '• l^attles, in love as well as in war. have been lost or won through slight causes."" On the I'.tth February 1S40, the night of the ball. Mr. Bawtree and his daughter arrived at th<> residence jf Mrs. Sylvestre at ten o'.dock. The house was o'aily illuminated. The elite of the City wen^ there. The ri<-h dresses of tht^ military oliicers, from the general down to the dashing young ensigns, who were numerously present, added brilliancy to the scene as it ap- peared to one's view on entering the drawing rooms. When they arrived, dancing had already commenced. The sounds of music could be heard at a distance from tin- house. A number of persons were in the vicinity, listening to the THE I!. 1 XKhirs I). 1 I ■(, II TKh'. 19 lively strains of the baud, or perhaps to catch a g'limpse of the ladies, on their entering the house, many of whom were extravagautly dressed for the occasion. Charlotte was richly hut not gorgeously dressed, for her father had previously to be consulted, and under the cir- cumstance she could not afford to give him the slightest cans*' for complaint. She always obeyed his slighest commands and sought to please him or all occasions, and under all circumstances. By so doing she exerted an inlluence unperceived upon him and obtained many favors, whiih slie othtn-wise would not have secured, had she acted contrary to his wishes. "While he showed the tyrant disposi- tion to his domestics, he was frequently her slave unknown to himself. Charlotte wore a white silk dress, trimmed with thread lace, low necked bodice with short sleeves. (Jn her finger she wore an engagement ring, a present from her betrothed, and a dia- mond one, a gift from her father. She wore also a small pair of gold bracelets, diamond earrings, and a pearl necklace. Her hair hung in ring- 20 riiE nwKf.'irs DAi-aiiTEii. lets, aud was kept back oiF her forehead with a tortoise-shell comb studded with diamonds aud gold ornaments ; she looked remarkably well, though she would not be ealled strikingly handsome ; her features nevertheless were re- gular and somewhat attractive. She had rosy cheeks, blue eyes, aud a straight nose, with a small mouth, which at times conveyed the im- pression that she was possessed of a firmness of character, if at any time it should be called into requisition. She showed a picture of health, and was possessed of a pleasant mien. Charlotte not seeing Charley anywhere in the house, became nervous and very anxious. She could not account for it, but she had a pre- sentiment of coming evil, aud she listened to every whisper expecting to hear some bad tid- ings of him. Just then two men entered the hall, and seeing Mr. Bawtree gave him a salute of recognition and walked up stairs. It was soon noised through the house, that they w^ere police detectives, in search of some one whom they expected to find there. They were, however, .1 ..:! 'i 4 ffl '/•///•; n.Wh'Eirs i).\r(;iiTEii. 21 disappointed and cxprosscd it in words not commt'ndable. Mr. Bawtree directed his daughter to go and dress and then he sent for a public carriage to convey them home. He had previously in- structed his coachman only to return for them at four o'clock a.m. If he kept servants, they were engaged to serve him, and he required them to wait upon him as he desired them. He little cared how much they might suffer, for he experienced no sympathy for them. He could at all times find those that would do his bidding. He never indulged in the extravagance of hiring public carriages, for these independent wage earners, the owners of these vehicles, should not be encouraged at least by him. Servants are now repaying their employers with interest the treatment they received from them in years long ago. The house was rapidly depleting of guests, many wondering the cause, without making any inquiry, simply following the example set them by Mr. Bawtree and his divUghter, and by 00 I III-: ISA M< Kirs DMCIITER. a few knowing ones whoalway.s obtain iulorm- ution in advance ot'otliers, and act as their good or evil instinct uuides them, or as their pecun- iary interests warrant. The house which a .short time previously was a scene of festive gaiety now became one of sor- row and mortification. Charlotte became convinced that something had happened to Charley, but she feared to question her father about him, for he appeared to be very angry. It would be dangerous for her to broach the subject in his present humour. She preferred to wait for information until the following day. She had not the least idea what had happened to him. She hoped everything on the morrow would be satisfactorily explain- ed. She thought probably the w^edding would be put otf for a while, but she never conceived the idea- that he had deserted her, so great was her confidence in him. On the way home her father did not speak a word, and she felt too great an oppression at her heart to indulge in any conversation, even had her fiither felt so inclined, but he had no '/'///•; /iwKhus n.\i(,iiri:i{. 23 inclination, Ix'ing niorose and dcJiMtod. His intended son-in-law was n bank dcl'aultt'r and a fus-itivc from justice. So fsoon as Charlotte reached the house, she immediately went t(t her room, and without calling lor her maid, threw hersell' into an arm chair, and with head bowed down, there re- mained ibr hours If tears would come to her rtdief, Lat they would not for her sorrow was too great, her heart was bursting" with griel' suppressed. She iinally arose and paced the room for the rem;undcr of the night. It was almost breakfast time when she acci- dently cast her cy(>s upon the clock aur! noticed the time of day- The struggle had ended and nature i)re vailed. Without the assistance of her maid she un- dressed and putting on a loose morning gown, rang the bell, calling for a servau', desiring her to go to her father who was already in the breakfast room, and tell him she was suffering from a severe headache, and to ask him if he would pleap.3 not to wait for her for breakfast. In reply she received from him a short note, w. i 24 THE nAXKEirs /)A ran tea: I -I saying' it was his command, that the name of Charles Sylvestre should never a^ain be men- tioned in his house. He g-ave her no informa- tion of the cause of Charley's absence, nor was his name ever mentioned between them. In time her grief would gradually wear away She truly loved him, and she had no room in her heart for another. \Yhether he would remain faithful to her, or wholly aban- don her, she did not wait to consider, but there and then decided that no one else should ever take his place in her affections. A faith- ful woman's devotion surpasses man's under- standing. Mr. Bawtree's unexpected early return, dis- turbed a gay and festive party who were assembled in his kitchen. A number of neifjh- boring servants whose masters and mistresses were spending the night at various places of amusement, had, by the invitation of the cook and butler, come to partake of their hospitality. No doubt several of the servants present were there without having obtained leave of their masters. A dashing soldier in civilian's clothes ( f i I i THE n ANKER'S DAUGHTER. was there, and though out on leave, ran the risk of beinj? severely punished for doffing her Majesty's uniform without having received permission. One of the chief amusements of the evening- was to foretell future events by one who pro- fessed the art. She at least pretended she could, either with cards or tea-cups, the latter by the position of the leaves remaining in the cups. If the leaves were at the top of the cup the event predicted would shortly come to pass. The fortune-teller would keep the company in roars of laughrer. Many a fair maiden, how- ever, -who placed implicit reliance on what she heard, would retire to her room dejected in spirit, and loose thereby a night's rest, medi- tating on what had been told her. The fortune- teller told the upper maid servant that Jack, the butler, was deeply in love with her, thougrh everyone knew that she actually despised him. .She also told the cook that a certain lieutenant's valet greatly admired her and would shortly propose an elopement. The old withered thing actually blushed and replied: "She did not I 26 'I HE BANKERS DAJ'd IITEE. 11 know if she would <'ver marry. She had saved sufficient money to purchase the discharge of the best soldier in the army. She was not at present prepared to give an answer ; it would depend on circumstances. She might think over it. If she was not as good-looking and as young as some she knew, she t^ould cook a good dinner, while others would not know how to go about it.'' After Mr. Bawtree's arrival all of the com- pany hastened their departure to their respec- tive homes, and none remained to enquire the cause. But the following day it was a subject of discussion in numerous kitchens, and the various opinions given were sufficiently diver- sified to ^11 a volume. Liquors were very cheaply sold in those days, consequently the cook had provided some for her favorite guests, and she did not require to entrench upon her master's. Other kitchens were not so scrupu- lous. She may have acted more from fear of her master than from principles of strict honesty. The fact must, nevertheless, be recorded in her favor, without giving her too great praiae. M CHAPTER III. Charles Sylvestro had boi'ome addicted to gambling, and in an evil hour, on leaving the bank, he took what he described as " a loan from the bank," with the intention ol' rt^turning it the folio winu' morning. Fortunately, or rather unfortunately for him, play that night went in his favor, and he was able to return to the bank what he had previously borrowed. But on other occasions he was not so fortunate, and the sums he took from time to tirat^ were gradually increased, until one cv<'ning he de- cided on takinu' a much larger amount than usual. He attributed his loss(\s on former occa- sions to not having sufficient available funds with him. Now ho would retrieve these losses, and return to the bank all the money he had mmmmmmmmm 28 THE liAXKEIi'S DAUGHTEK. taken from it, and nev>r again touch any funds that did not strictly belong to him. " Grood resolutions are seldom kept." He had formed the idea that he only played cards with gentlemen who contended with him in a game of chance, simply for amusement and without any ulterior o])jec+ : at least this im- pression was forced upon iiim by designing villains. They were mere crafty and sharper than he was, for he was only a youth, while they were of maturer years. The last night he played he lost the large amount which he had taken from the bank with the hope of recouping his previous losses. His nominal friends ac- complished their object, not caring how much he should sulier, providing they ran no risk of a public judicial prosecution and they enriched themselves by his delinquinci.>s. When he had parted with all the money he realized his posi- tion, and begged for the return of it, offering to pay them a certain portion every month (on re- ceiving his salary), but they were deaf to all his entreaties and laughed at him for his simplicity in making such a request. They advised him to \ W \ !. ! THE BANK Errs DA UaHTEH. 20 i leave the city, as it would save him considerable trouble and annoyance. In those days a crim- inal was punished by an even handed justice. His social position would not have saved him from being sent to the penitentiary for the re- mainder of his life. To-day it is diifcrent ; the larger the amount stolen, the less punishment the thief receives. Now all the enormity of his oilence rapidly passed before him, and he realized his dreadful position. He fled from his own shadow, and he imagined all looking at him were reading his thoughts and they would speedily deliver him up to justice. At night he could not sleep. If he closed his eyes he would start up imagining that a policeman was knocking at his door seek- ing admittance. He would at times get up. timidly open his room door, or his window, and look steathily out to see if anyone was watching him or the house. He could not en- dure the strain much longer, and he decided leaving the city, and the night of the ball was a favorable opportunity, and he availed himself of it. : f 11: J !' I 80 THE HANKEirS DAUdlTTER. He disguisod himself and escaped uuper- ceived from the house, and took the road for New York, and on his arrival there he enoaored his passag-e on a steamer bound for Spain. There were then no telegraph wires by which he could be intercepted. He had a few hours' start of his pursures and he made good his es- cape. He left behind him one who deeply mourned his departure, and who only heard of his death many years after it occurred. t a CJIAPTHR IV. Mr. Bawtreo lived but a lew years after Charley's surreptitious disappearance. His purse-proud and OYer})eariiig spirit was broken, and he could not long- survive the blow he thus received. He had sought to introduce his daughter into a circle of society that he in his younger days was entirely unaccustomed to, and paid the penalty he so justly deserved. Not that one should not seek the association of those in higher positions in life, but the earlier intimate associates should not be entirely dis- carded, and should be treated at least with com- mon courtesy and civility, and even with some recognition of past friendship. Mr. Bawtree bequeathed all his large fortune to his daughter, and appointed a gentleman in "i- 82 THE liAXKER'S DAUGHTER. whom he had i^reat confidence her sole executor. In after years he sadly betrayed the trust con- fided to him. Many men while they are pros- perous are strictly honest in all their dealings, but should they ever become poor, turn out great rascals and seek to retrieve their fortunes by robbing their friends. All Mr. Bawtree's investments of his capital were, with great wisdom and forethought, properly and judiciously made, and he left written instructions for the guidance of the ex- ecutor, as well as for his daughter. A few years after Mr. Bawtree's death the executor spoke despondiugly of several of the securities and advised their disposal ; with the proceeds he purchased shares of a bank in which he and his relations were largely interested. For a while the dividends were regularly paid, and Charlotte was recovering her former vivacity and somewhat forgetting her sad be- reavement. Then disquieting rumors began to circulate regarding the solvency of the bank of which she held a great number of shares. These had been purchased in her name by her THE n.WKEirs DAniHTEli. 88 executor, and ou enquiry she learned that the stock that had been transferred to her was either owned by her executor or his relatives. She now fully realized that it. was premeditated that she should be the sulferer instead of them. However, the rumors ceased for a while, and it was reported the bank had overcome its diffi- culties, and though no dividends would for a couple of years be paid the bank would not be forced to close its doors. Ere a year was past the bank was irretrievably insolvent. The shareholders not only lost their stock, but were called upon to pay an equal amount in cash in proportion to the number of shares held by the different stockholders. The executor had fore- seen what was coming- and transferred his risks upon Charlotte to sav.^ himself from loss. Some persons would call this a good stroke of busi- ness, but rightly called a dishonest transaction. C^harlotte took her monetary affairs into her own hands, and exhibiting some of her father's indomitable spirit and energy, converted the re- maining investments into cash, disposed of her household establishment, paid in full all the 84 THE /lAXKhirs DA rn/[T /■:/{. calls upon hor, and taking with her a widowed aunt, removed to the town of Newport, Rhode Island, in which place her mother was born. She proposed forminji- new associations, with the view of forgetting as far as possible the past. Twice was she deceived by those who pre- tended the greatest friendship lor her. She had tried society in its various phases, and was greatly disappointed. Now she would devote her time and energy in assisting her fellow- creatures in whatever way would be most con- dusive to their happiness. Without becoming a recluse, she would not teek any longer to find enjoyment in festive gaiety. Charlotte, after living about a year in New- port, built a cottage not far from the seashore, furnishing it very tastefully and comfortably, and engaging only one servant to do the rough- er work. She devoted a considerable portion of her leisure hours in visiting the sick and dis- tributing, where required, considerable sums from her income. She had invested her capital at a good rate of interest with a view of future use. il'l :■: 'i ' 77//; /;.lA7v7i'A'\S DACiniTKR. 3") She never went to any public place of amuse- ment ; in fact she refused all invitations of any social kind, but was a regular attendant at Church. She did not dress in any parti(>ular order of sisterhood, but her attire was never changed in style from year to year. She always conformed to one mode of living. Sin^eral ladies more curious than others in the neio-h- borhood sought to ascertain the cause of her ex- treme exclusiveness. They were simply told in polite language that it was agreeable to her, and they made no further attempt to penetrate her secrets. Various were the comments made concerning her in social and church assemblies. These gossips are not sufficiently interesting or edify- ing to record them. The town of Newport is a very fashionable watering place, and here is situated one of the United States navy training schools, where boys are taught how to handle guns and ships, with a view of defending the country from foreign aggression, but not with the object of planting the " Union Jack " in foreign coun- ill " 36 THE liASKEirs D.M'dlfTh'h', tries. War now is seldom justifiable, unless under great provotatiou, and a country should only have recourse to it when all other means have failed of securini^ peace. No doubt in past years, through the instruniejitality of war, great benefits have resulted to the human race ; but it is now questionable if any greater good could be accomplished by it. All countries are now brought into such close connection by means of railroads and fast steam- ships that any great war occurring in any coun- try will more or less affect the whole world. The desire to secure wealth is uow^ the main- spring of all human action ; with it a spirit of corruption is prevalent amongst all classes of society, which is almost more to be deplored than even^war with all its atrocities, and if not speedily suppressed will lead to direful results. An oliicer in Persia was found guilty of cor- ruption and has been sentenced to b*^ boiled ylive. This is executing justice wilh a ven- geance. The mode of ]>unishment is too severe, but officials ibund guilty of corrupt acts should be severely dealt with. THE n.lXKKirs l>.\( lUITEIi. 37 The cottages on tlu> st-a sliore are numerous and are occupied with wealthy families from various cities in the Union. While there they spend most of the time in festive amuse- ments, and many return to their homes com- pletely worn out, instead of having secured the rest which was the original intention for sum- mer cottages at the sea shore. When Charlotte went to live at Newport the cottages were few and far apart, and the per- sons residing theu were not numerous. For her it was a place of retirement, which she greatly enjoyed. One sultry summer day, in the month of July, Charlotte, from her cottage window, espied a sail-boat too far out at sea for it to reach the shore in safety should a storm arise. There were only two persons in the boat, and it was making for shore. The sails were tacked to catch any breeze going, so as to hasten its return. There was hardly a ripple upon the water. The sea was as smooth as glass, and only its undulation showed that it was at all in motion. i 1 i I; 38 THE BAXKEB'S DAVailTEB. «:i Just then a sudden breeze arose which speedily developed into a squall. The boat was still visible ; the helm w^as guided by a skilful hand. Charlotte and her aunt watched in breathless silence, and with intense anxiety, the boat as it dided through the boisterous waters. It would disappear in the trough of the sea and then reappear on the top of a wave, makino- steadily for shore, when suddenly deep, black clouds covered the face of the sky, and great darkness coming on, that no objects w^ere at all visible. Not even if one's hand were raised could it be seen, so great was the darkness. As the wind ceased the rain came down in torrents, causing all the streams to overflow and rapidly run into the sea. The sky was occasionally illuminated by quick successive flashes of forked lighting which darted here and there in majestic splendor. Then came the voice of heaven, peal after peal of thunder, which vibrated through the air, and there came one louder crash than the pre- vious ones, wiiich caused the earth to tremble and the cottages to shake to and fro. After a THE liANKEirS DArailTEH. 30 few flashes of sheet lightniug the storm abated the sky cleared, and the sun shone, if possible more brilliantly than it did before it. The air again became calm and serene. Charlotte asked her aunt to accompany her m search of the boat to ascertain what had become of it and its occupants. " Man s steps are not upon tliy paths ; thy fields Are not a spoil for him ; thou dost arise loi earth s destruction thou dost all despise • >purninne should be ad- mitted to the room save a nurse, and that it should be kept completely darkened. He said he might with great care recover, but on no account was anyone to hold conversation with him in regard to the accident until he had fully recovered his strength. For some considerable time the youna- man lay in a precarious condition, hovering between life and death, or what might even be worse than death, the loss of his reason. The time arrived when the doctor told Charlotte that he had safely passed through the critical stage without showing any bad results, but he was not constitutionally strong. He required no i^'ood nursing, Math pleasant and amusing con- versation, so as to divert his thoughts from the bceue of the accident, and for her to avoid tell- ing iim, if at all possible, of the death of his companion until such time as he would be bet- ter able to bear hearing the account of her sad death. 6 L,^* — . -^X- i_l — lULlAa-tlS-'^Lirf*" ^fl;i 42 THE BAXKEirS DAUGHTER. !f! All throug-h hi;? illness Charlotte scarcely ever left tlie room, for she would not trust to anyone to attend on him, or do what she con- sidered could be better done by herself. He frequently c[Ucstioned her how^ he came there, and what had riua^d his sickness. His mud was apparently , ': regarding the ac- <'ident She would tell - i Ihe doctor forbid her to talk to him for the present, and he would not like hearing the doctor scolding her for dis- obeying his orders. Thus she diverted his thoughts into other channels, until he w^as sulficiently recovered to sit in an arm chair. Then she frequently read for his amusement, and by degrees they became more familiar and enjoyed many pleasant conversations. He said to her one day : " My mother was a Spanish lady and died of consumption w^hile 1 was very young. My father sent me to J'mgland when I was only seven years of age, to be educated at a private boarding academy. When I reached the age of llfteen years I received a let- ter from him directing me immediately to pro- ceed to Quebec, his native city, for he had ap- THE HANKER' S DAVGHTEB. 43 pointed my aunt, and his only maiden sister, my guardian and executor. My father was an officer in the Spanish army, and during one of the revolutionary outbreaks, so common in Spain at that time, received in battle a mortal wound, of w^hich he shortly afterwards died." Charlotte simply placed her hand on her breast and a spasm passed away without Charley noticing any change in her counten- ance. He also informed her : " I have been en- gaged for several years to the young woman who was out , boating with me, and would shortly have been married had she survived. I made her acquaintance on the steamer while crossing the Atlantic ocean. She was return- ing to New York in company with her father and a younger brother, who was about seven years of age. He was a sturdy little fellow, and was alw ays on the move, and scarcely ever at rest. TV ben the steamer was about mid- ocean, on an exceedingly calm day, not a breath of air was stirring, most of the passengers were promenading on the deck, when all of a sud- M If w mmm \mm immmm 44 THE BAXKEB'S DAUdllTEI}. ''^ i a, den a splash in the water was heard, and a cry- raised, a child overboard.' Without a mo- ment's hesitation I leaped into the sea, for I am an expert swimmer, having practiced on the coast of England, and catching hold of the boy I held his head aboA^e water until a boat was lowered, and we were safely landed on deck. The father of the boy expressed hii gratitude and thankfulness, wliich were plainly shown in his countenance, and when the steamer arrived in port. I was nvitedto spend a couple of weeks witb the lamily at their mansion in New York. From a casual acquaintance with the young lady, but by closer intimacy, it finally ripened into love. "We were engaged, and would have shortly been married, and nothing could have broken that tie but this sad accident, for we were truly fond of each other. She was passing the summer with an aunt who has lived here for many years. I received permis- sion from her father to spend my vacation with her here. The day was so fine that we over- looked the distance and did not perceive we I THE BANKER'S DAUG IlTEIi. 45 were that far from shore until wo saw the storm approaching from the east. We could have weathered it only for the darkness coming suddenly upon us. We lost our reckoning, and the boat drifted at the mercy of the waves. I heard the breakers, but not in time to turn the boat, for I could not see anything before me €xcept when the lightning flashed ; then only for a few seconds. I think she died from fright before we were cast upon the shore. It is now time for me to return to Quebec, and I do not know how I will ever be able to repay you for your kindness to me. If acceptable to you, I will write you every month, and now I have a favor to ask you. It will be too formal to address you by name ; I want your permis- sion to call you aunt, for I am all alone. I am the last surviving one in Canada of a numer- ous family connection." She readily gave her consent, and she could have clasped him to her bosom, for it was th'^ first true expression of friendship shown to her since the death of her father. He now bade her adieu and left for his home 46 THE BANKERS DAUGHTER. »n • W< ( in Quebec. Ho could not help feeling some re- gret on leaving the cottage where he had re- ceived much kindness and watchful care during his long illness. For several years Charlotte continued her regular round of visits, and nothing occurred to disturb the precise aged maiden's methodical mode of living. The widower parson (^ame occasionally to the cottage, but finding he was only received with dignified courtesy, if he had had any idea of pressing his suit, he abandoned it for other pastures, where he was more gra- ciously received. Whenever Charlotte received a letter from Quebec she was always in brighter spirits ; it was like an oasis to a sorrowful heart ; though to all outward appearance she showed no signs of heart trouble or of mental anguish. \i I i* CHAPTER V. , Charles Sylvestre, a youth of sixtoon sum- mers, anived in Quebec from England. He came almost among-st strangers, but he soon made many friends. He entered with such zest into all the sports then in vogue that his company was soon sought after. Though he was naturally impetuous, and at times excit- able, yet generally lively and agreeable, that any little fault in his temper was easily over- looked and speedily forgotten. He was favor- ably impressed with the city and its inhabit- ants. They were not so thoroughly occupied with business as to prevent their enjoying themselves on all suitable occasions. Perhaps they too frequently neglected business for plea- sure. Wealth was not the only desideratum 48 THE li. I XKElfS 1). 1 / ' first time, and it leaves an impression on their minds never to be ellaced, and they carry away with them pleasing recollections of the beauties of the city. On the day Charley arrived th(^ various national societies were assembled in front of the Bonse(3ours market, then the City Hall as well as a market, to march in procession to do honor to the Prince. A descendant of r> son of Erin espied Charley and called out, " Come hither," placing a white rosette on his breast, the insignia of membership for the time being, and landed him in the ranks of one of the Irish societies. He was but slightly acquainted in the city, and visited alone the various places of amusement Wearing the rosette during th.- day was advantageous to him in his lonely rambles in the city. IS; 50 rilK HAXKEUS DM'ailTEIl. In the afternoon the Trince oi" Wales was to open the great Victoria bridge, then a work of of vast engineering- skill, which established the reputation of the engineer, and his name is handed down as one worthy of emulation. A train was waiting at the depot to convey the Prince and his suit with invited guests out to the bridge. Charley, out of curiosity, proceeded to the depot, still wearing the rosette, and was by an olficial shown into Ine Prince's car, suppos- ing he was an important person, or a member of the Prince's suit. A regiment of volunteer soldiers from the United States were here visit- ing the city, and the officers were introduced to the Prince. The Colonel of the regiment came first and extended his hand ; the Prince readily and warmly shook it. One or two of the other principal officers followed suit, while the younger ones simply saluted and passed on. Charley always retained a pleasing recollection of the atiable manner the stranger citizen soldiers were received by His Royal Highness. The introduction took place in a r iL- I ■ 77//v' llAXKh'li'S /i.iraj/TKli. .51 I car at the bridge. Charley was standing iu it ahnost alongside of the Prince. On another day the Prince visited the Crystal Palace, which was situated on St. Catht-riae street. Charley also made his way there. A crowd had already gathered in front of tht; building", waiting until the doors would be ©pened to get admittance. From within could be heard the steady tramp of the regular soldiers, who had previously been admitted to test the strength of the building by their march- ing over the galleries with military precision. But science to-day has discovered a surer mode of proving the safety of a building without risking the lives of Her Majesty's loyal troops. The Irish people have again and again been accused of disloyalty to their Sovereign, but whenever members of the Royal family have visited the country they proved their loyalty by receiving them with loud acclamations of joy. While Charley was standing outside the building there were beside him two buxom lassies of the Emerald isle, and as the Prince came up exclaimed : " Oh, the dear little angel ! " ■52 THE liAXKEirs DAraiiTEn. One uight the city was grandly illuminated. Everyone that could procure a vehicle was out with it that night. At times the jam was fearful. Then the boys would send ilyiug about any number of small fire-crackers. Whole bunches would be set ofFjust under the horses' feet, but through it all no accident occurred to mar the enjoyment of the night, nor were any of the pleasure-seekers injured, and everyone was de- lighted with the grand display. Now came the grandest ball ever given in Canada. A large, round wooden building was especially erected lor the occasion, and it was beautifully frescoed. Champagne flowed freely from every pillar of the vast structure. Various bands discoursed sweet music, and the best society Montreal could produce was there to do honor to the Prince. Some were there Hitting round with bor- rowed plumage. Their chief desire was to be recognized by the Prince, so that their social standi)ig in society should be augmented, and then be everywhere received as the cream of society. \ THE n.lXKER'S DA TC LIT Eli 53 Others were there haviug- political aspira- tions, and with blandish smiles spread their nets to catch all persons they thought could be of political service to them, but who were speedily discarded when higher game was in view, or more pliable tools to their machina- tions were likely to be secured. The migratory, mercenary politician was there, who, like the chameleon, changes his coat whenever his political allegiance becomes merchantable. "Worse than all were the llippant political nonentities who were dressed in the garb of the butterfly, but beneath it exhibited all the characteristics of the caterpillar. In the ball-room were wealthy men, who acquired it by honesrt toil, and there were other wealthy men, but we must draw the curtain and leave to the historians to record the actions of those who have marked their footprints in the sands of time for w^eal or for woe. On the following night another ball was given in the same building, admitting the gen- eral public ; price of admission, one dollar. I ■H 54 IlIE BANKERS nAUGIITER. Very few ladies -.vere present, and it was diffi. cult for a stranger to get an introduction to them, for the gentlemen that brought ladies kept them to themselves, so as they w^ould only take part with them in the several dances. The Prince appeared ill at ease confined to the seat provided for him. He showed by his manner that he wished to descend to the floor of the house and take part in a dance, but the sturdy and strict Duke of New^castle would not give his consent. This was only an impression Charley got at the time, without any foun- dation, perhaps, to warrant it. The Prince was almost considered a Cana- dian boy. He w^alked Canada's streets ; he joined in her amusements ; he worshipped at hfr altars, and no one here hesitated to exclaim, " Long live the Prince of Wales ! " An incident that occurred in later years, and is a little out of order in regard to point of time, is still of sufficient interest to be here recorded. When Prince Arthur w^as stationed with his regiment at the Town of St. Johns, one beauti- ful moonlight night, he was standing with a ' f THE liANKEirs DACGHTEIi. 'ob number of other officers at tlie door of his hotel, when a volunteer soldier came staggering up, halted, straightened himself and saluted the Prince, remarking, " I am a little on the bum to night." The officers looked grave and stern, when the Prince jokingly replied: "Well, bum it round my man." The soldier again saluted and marched staggering off, but not to the guard house, fbr the gracious reply of the Prince saved him from a court-martial, and the regiment from an expose. The Prince thereby greatly gained in popularity with the inhabi- tants, for some present had an indistinct re- collection when Duke of Kent was stationed in Nova Scotia he ordered a soldier to receive one thousand lashes on his back for insobri'Hy. Here the Prince overlooked a fault which greatly redounded to his advantage. On his return to Quebec, Charley took the steamer that leaves Montreal at seven o'clock p.m. There were on board a resriment of Hig-h- land soldiers, who were on their way to Eng- land. The harsh and discordant notes of the ])agpipes when played in the streets of a city 56 THE BANKER'S DM' (HIT Eli. were mellowed by being played upon the waters, and as the boat descended the river the music became sweet and harmonious. Many persons were assembled on the wharf to bid them adieu. The moon was at her full and shone so brightly that one could almost see to read by her light. Amongst the motley crowd that stood on the wharf to bid the Highlanders adieu, on their leaving Canada's hospitable shores, for their distant native homes, was. a woman with two children. She held her little girl of four years of age by the hand, and in her arm, her latest born, a child of two years. Her tears flowed down her cheeks, for she had been rudely pushed aside by the sentry, and was not per- mitted to go on board the steamer to join her husband. Whih- she stood eagerly watching the boat, her baby-boy looked up to her face and seeing the tears dn^pping from her eyelids, raised his little hand and placed it on her cheek, and said in baby-voice, " See, see, papa, papa," and stretched out his little arms for his father to take him. He who had stood un- ^ THE P.AXKEirs DArailTi:!;. 57 daunted while the bullets from the g-uns of the enemy with hissing- sound Hew past him, at Alma, Balaklava, at Inkerman, and in the Re- dan, now shook like an aspen-leaf and frantic- ally sought, as the boat left her mooring's, to jump ashore, but he was immediately seized by several soldiers and placed in irons. His wife remained motionless until the boat was out of sight. The notes of the lively sonff, "The Girl I Left Behind Me," and those of "Auld Laug- Syne,"" and the sweet air of " Home, Sweet, Sweet. Home,"" were wafted back, aud came mocking-lv to an arhinc: heart and to an unappreciative ear. Home she had none. She would hnd shelter in the back- woods of Canada, or take up her abode in the slums of a city, to be spurned by even those who too were left behiud ; mothers they were, but not wives. She would work to support her chikh\>n, and perhaps the boy, who was the image of his father, would, in the days to come, be a soUice and a comfort to her, when he who was forced tn leave her behiud him Mill have gone the way of all flesh. 8 68 THE IIA XKLirS DA UailTER. After several years the soldier was dis- charged from the army, and he decided on returuing to Canada to seek his wife and child- ren. The ship, while in a dense fog, and through the insufficiency of fog-signals, or through carelessness or wanton inditierence on the part of the lighthouse keeper, was wrecked on the barren coast of Labrador, and the soldier lost his life. The widowed mother, having no relatives to make enquiries about her, w^as lost, like many others, in the surging masses w^ho move from place to place, seeking where their daily toil will be more remunerated. The green water of the St. Lawrence was visible, and though flowing alon^'-side of the dark, muddy water ot the Ottaw^a refused to mingle with it. On the w^ay down are many picturesque farm cottages on both sides of the river. The bright steeples of numerous village churches were very attractive. Charley rose the following morning at break of day, on approaching Quebec, in iirae to view the grand and bold scenery of the Lower St. Lawrence. CIIAPTER V[. On Charley's return to Quebec from Newport he was lionized by his friends, for an account of the accident had preceded him. He r(>sumed his situation in the bank. A similar one was held by his father luany years ag'o. Numerous were the invitaiions sent to him to attend public and private balls, boat races and A'arious public amusements, but he soon tired of these sports, which a few years ago were his great delight. One dark afternoon, a drizzly rain was falling, Charley, w^ho was on his way to his lodgings, noticed a young girl on the street going tow^ards her home without an umbrella. He had fre- quently spoken to her in the store where he was accustomed lo lunch. He raised his hat II! '^ 60 THE IlAXKKirs ItAUailTER. aud offered her the use of his. At first she de- clined it, but finally permitted him to accom- pany her home. She appeared to him as one having a superior education for the position she hold in the store. In her younger days, he subse- quently learned, she had attended on*^ of the numerous convents so common in Quebec, and there had acquired a first-class education. It was not of any pecuniary service to her, in consequence of these num«-rous establishments, for all classes sent their children to them, and none employed private or public tutors. She lived on the west side of the city, at St. Rochs, a suburb of Quebec, which was reached by descending- a long- flight of stone steps. The house she and her widowed mother occu- pied consisted of only two rooms; they were kept scrupulously clean. She had several brothers, but they were residing in difFerent parts of the United States, and she knew not if she should ever hear from them again They had enlisted in the northern armv, and pos- sibly may have been slain in battle, for she had not heard from them for a long time, or prob- THE liAXKERS DAnillTEE. 61 al)ly they might unexpectedly come home any day. Th(! mother, a complaiuiiig' invalid, \Vas constantly wining, because of her extreme poverty; she could not procure the various delicacies which she had been accustomed to in previous years. At one time the family was possessed of considerable property, but the head of the house neglected his business and became more and more addicted to gambling. On<' loss never comes alone, and thus it was with them. The bank in which was deposited the greater part of their available I'unds iailed, and they thereby were linaucially ruined. The father became a confirmed drunkard and finally com- mitted suicide. He w^as the man that, through (heating at cards, robbed Charley's father of a large sum of money shortly before he was forced to flee from the citv. Charley frequently visited them, and many presents reached their abode, of w^hich they r attention and to minister to his necessities. The poor girl who had struggled hard to support her mother received but scant sympathy from her. Such is life. The insidious disease of consumption com- menced to make inroads into Charley's consti- tution. He, no doubt, inherited it from his mother. He struggled hard to retard its pro- gress, but it rapidly gained upon him, and he was forced to seek a warmer climate. The following letter, which he sent to his adopted aunt at Newport, conveys the informa- r ■ 'I TIIK n. I .\- A' Kirs DMd II TEll. G3 tioii of declining health, and, when she re- ceived it, caused her deep sorrow : — My Deah Aunt, — I have been siiU'ering for some time with a severe cold. At lirst 1 i)ai(l little attention to it, thinking it would pass away. Now a hacking (;oii/h distiirhs my rest at night, and 1 am froijnently trouiiled with cold night sweats, which afterwards leave me in the mornings very weak. The doctor advises me to spend the winter in the south of Franco. 1 have secured a l)erth on one of the Allan line of steam- ers, and will leave here on Thursday for Liverpool. I expect to return in tlie month of June f'ui New York, ami I will re- main over at Newport before returning to (Quebec, with a view of seeing you once more, and also to recruit my etrength, after the fatigue of the long journey, by a short rest on the sea shore at your charming cottage. By the way, I anonymously receive every Christmas day twenty-five pounds, and I do not know anyone to thank for them but your dear self. I only allude to it to tell you tliat I am well provided with funds for my journey. The bank not only granted me a year's leave of alisencc, but also voted me in advance one year's salary. So you need not feel at all anxious on my account. Your atiectionate nephew, Charles Sylve.stre. The voyage to Europe was an uneventful one. For the first few days Charley had to re- main ill the cabin, for he found the sea air too strong for his \v<'ak hinj^s, conscqiKMitly li(» could not go upon the dec k. After beinii- out at sea for a while he s^ruduiilly gained in strength, which gave hitn great hopes of ulti- mate recovery. On the ship arriving in Liver- pool he made no stay iu England, but proceeded directly to France. He had not been long there when war be- tween France and Prussia broke out. If Charley had only been in good health he would have followed his father's profession, and unsheathed his sword in defence of the flag of the country of his present temporary abode. Spanish blood flowed in his veins, and he was more in sym- pathy with the Latin than the Teutonic race. It was only the positive orders of his physician that prevented him joininu- the army of Napo- leon. France was unprepared for war. The many divergent views entertained by Mon- archists and Republicans were a cause of weak- ness to her. After several engagements be- tween the armie.i of France and Prussia, at Sedan, Xapoleon \a as forced to surrender to the 77//-; II.WKEirs JtM'dllTHI,'. 05 virtoriou8 Prussiiius. How diin'rcnt it was with his uiich', Napokou Bouapartf. who tbuo-ht, with the soldier.s of Fraiuv aloii.', the allied armies of Europe. The French .soldiers lacked the enthusiasm which usually characterized them, and (hey only returned home to light with the Re- publican soldiers oi' Paris. The conflict cast a shadow upon France that has taken years to eflace. France is now prospering because she is at peace at home and abroad. May she never draw sword, ex.-ept it be to drive an in- vading army from her shores Science and art are not in accord with the ravages of war. May she ever uphold the former and denounce the latter. Oh ! France, the ilower of nations, "May peace ever reign within thy borders and prosperity within thy gates." One morning the postman brought a letter to the cottage bearing the New York po.stmark. It was unusual for Charlotte to receive letters from that city, and she got into a state of ex- citement before opening it, wondering all the while who could have sent it, and what it was : I 06 THE h'AXKENS DAUaHTER. about, Of course she could have opened it aud found out, but no, she had first to give vent to her woman's curiosity, and then it became in consequence more important in her estimation. Perhaps all womt^n are not thus pfted. The letter was from Charley but it was not addressed by him. It g-ave the information that he had arrived in New York, and would come to Newport within the course of a few days, and w^ould spend a couple of weeks with her before proceeding to Quebec. Charlotte, with the servant, immediately set about getting- a room in order. She hung out the bed clothes to air, and started a fire ui the grate in case any dampness had lodg(>d anywhere in the room. All delicacies that could be procured were immediately purchased, and she waited his coming with some degree of aJixiety and apprehension. \\ hen Charley arrived at the cottage his strength was thoroughly exhausted, from the fatigue of the journey. He was shown to his room, which he never left until he was cold in death. THE liAXKEirS DA l(; I ITER. (37 Bleodiiif? at the limgs started, and the doetor was immediately summoned. Charley had ex- perienced a roug'h voyage, and being in the last stages of consumption his weak constitu- tion was not capable of enduring the heavy strain of a sea voyage. The doctor succeeded in allaying the bleeding, but held out no hopes of his recovery. lie might linger for a month, but probably not more than a couple of weeks. Day after day he gradually grew weaker, and could scarci^ly turn is his bed. Charlotte saw the end was approaching, and she took an opportunity to speak to him on different subjects which were uppermost on her mind. He was at all times very patient ; his only complaint to her was : " I give you so much trouble." She soothed him '.y telling him that since: she becane accjuainted with him he had been quite a comforter to her. She remarked : '• I have longed to tell you that I was once engaged to be married to your father, He left one night suddeuly without assigning any cause. It would have been usi^- II 111 68 THE HANKEirs DAVGHTEK. less for him to have sought assistance in his trouble from my father, but with me it was different, and had he explained his circum- stances I could have come to his relief. He knew that I w^as my father's only child — " " And all Lis wealth was marked as mine, For he had only me." — GoLnsMirn. " I had frequently told your father that I approved of a gentleman attending a club, playing billiards, and taking part in other amusements. I would not like him to follow my father's example, for wealth acquired by discarding all social amusements was dearly purchasi^d. I may have been injudicious, but as he always placed so high a valui on noble birth, aristocratic relations, and he disparaged persons who were engagi^d in trade, I never suspected he would so lower himself as to play cards for money, if only as a pastime." There are many snobbish gentlemen who put on kid gloves on entering a tradesman's store, fearing they should soil rheir hands ; they cer- tainly must take them off when they stoop to THE BAXKEirs DA I'd]! IE IL iJO play a game of chance, and unlawi'ully deprive their Iriends of their possessions. Many men have neglected their families, bringing them down to poverty, and bringing on themselves the ruin of their character, and afterwards are shunned by those who encour- aged them in their mad (^onrse and were the cause of their poverty and degradation. Manly amusements are not to be despised, and it is difficult to separate the dross from the gold. Everyone must be his ow^n judge in the matter. Charlotte said : " I lost through my executor's wrong-doing a large portion of the fortune which my father left me, but I have recovered it all, and some time ago I made my will leav- ing it to you. There is now no likelihood that you will live to inherit it, and I am going to ask you a favor. I would like to build an orphan asylum to be called the Bawtree-Sylvestre Orphan Asylum, and 1 would like your con- sent." Charley smiled and bowed his head in ap- proval, but he was too weak to spi^ak ; his con- sent remained unspoken. If MP 70 lUE HANKERS DAUCHTER. Charlotte kissed his forehead and dropped a tear, which was the first she shed since the days of her childhood. The following' Sunday moruiug-, as the church hells were ringing for early service, Charley's glassy eyes became lixed, his lips moved, and he articulated the words, " All is well," and then gave three gentle sighs and his spirit passed away. For a while his face was ashy pale, but it soon recovered its natural appearance. The eyes were closed ; there was not a wrinkle upon his forehead ; his lips became red, his whole countenance lifelike, and he appeared as if he was only sleeping. Sleep on, gentle sleeper, thou art at rest. Charlotte soon after Charley's death set about putting her project into execution. She sold the cottage and removed to a large city, where she would have a greater field for her charitable work. She superintended the construction of the building herseli, and before the expiration of three years she had it in active operation. The boy who Charley saved from a w^atery THE HAXKEirs 1).\ ('(UITEl!. 71 grave sends yearly a sum of money to Quebec to purchase flowers, and also to keep his grave in order. He freely contributes from his extensive means to the orphan asylum, and his contribu- tions materially assist Charlotte in properly conducting the institution. The youth never cast any reflections upon Charley for the death of his sister, for he knew that Charley was so mild in his disposition that he always gave way to her guiding spirit. She generally led, while he followed. Most of the women of the United States take pride in their imperative and independent traits of character. No doubt these traits are the out- come of the Republican form of G-overnment ex- isting there. They are not always to be con- demned, providing they are kept within certain bounds. But may the day be far olF before woman suf- frage be granted, for if that should come men will cry out in the agony of their souls : Oh, ye gods, save us from our electorate lady friends. The last words of the widow, to whom refer- mmmmmm mnamm 72 TJfh- 7.M XKEirS J). 1/7/ // TKN. euce is made in a previous chapter, were : " Put more wood on the fire, I feel cohl." " It's getting- dark, lia'ht the lamp." Then her spirit took i<:s flight, and her boy was bereaved of his befct earthly friend. Though he was left alone on the stormy ocean of life, he nevertheless safely steered his barque through many tempestuous seas and dangerous inlets, evading, however, the treach- erous quick-sand that had a deceitful surface, for over it bright, sparkling waters might flow, but beneath the surface there was a deep abyss, and so as not to be engulfed therein, or en- tangled in the encircling arms of the libertine, and thereby sink lower and lower in the depths of human depravity and lose his reputation, he sailed a straight course. He had often been tempted and advised, like other youths have been, to take a wrong path ; he preferred to follow the instructions he re- ceived in his youth from his righteous mother, thereby to-day the flag of rectitude proudly floats over his head, and he is i expected by his fellow-citizens. THE iSAXKEirs DArailTKIl. 73 With Charlotte we must now i)art ( ompaiiy, for a,s nig-ht succeefls day, aud winter succeeds summon-, so does age follow youth, aud, like a fading- 11 ow^er, no one cares whether it survives the day or not ; its beauty is almost gone. So is it with persons that have arrived at th(^ age of three scon^ years and ten ; they are but tot- tering to the grave. Their bones will there crumble into dust, but where will their spirits go? Though Charlotte, during her whole life, only attended the oue ball, still the ^assing days were not unenjoyable, for the greater por- tion of her long life was spent in doing good to her fellow-creatures, which brings its own re- ward. Now she occupies a portion of every day reading and answering letters she receives from many of the orphans who have left the home of their childhood, and are taking an ac- tive part in the battle of life in all parts of the world. If we have failed in riveting the attention of our readers, or drawing out their sympathy towards the characters portrayed, the fault lies 10 74 THE HANKEirs DAI'dllTEh'. with US, and we crave the forbearance of a generous public. *' Come hither. Evan Cameron ; come stand beside my knee, I hear the river roaring down towards tlie wintry sea. There's shoutinro trooping past; I hear the pibroch wailing amidst the din of tight, And my spirit wakes again upon the verge of night." T End. k